This commentary is by Mark Wallach, a Boulder City Councilmember. He is writing in his individual capacity.
It is never advisable to write in anger, but today I am violating that principle. I am doing so because of the horrifying nature of Sunday’s terrorist attack on Boulder’s Jewish community. That attack has left me as enraged as I have been in almost six years of service on the Boulder City Council. I do not want to hear one more “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims” statement, and not one more “We need to come together” statement. Instead, we need some plain speaking. Allow me to try:
For more than a year, the council has been besieged by protestors who oppose the fact that, more than a year ago, the council voted 7–2 not to weigh in foreign policy issues — pursuant to our longstanding policy — and to maintain our focus on the actual business of the City of Boulder.
For months, the protestors have sought to coerce us, to shame us and to bully us into undoing that decision and give them the satisfaction of either a ceasefire resolution or a divestment resolution. When it became clear that neither was forthcoming, protestors began to interrupt and disrupt our meetings, making it difficult to conduct the city’s business. Due to these disruptions, we have often been forced to clear the council chambers of all participants, making it impossible for others to speak to their government. Many have ceased to do so, citing an atmosphere they regard as unsafe due to the conduct of the protestors. In short, it has been chaos.
We have tried a number of remedies. The most recent has been to ban individuals who actively interfere with the conduct of our meetings from city buildings for a period of time. It remains to be seen how effective this will be. Please remember that in no case has a speaker been prevented from speaking: We have always honored the First Amendment rights of those with different beliefs. We have simply sought to restore an element of civility and safety to meetings of the Boulder City Council while others seek to undermine it.
Nevertheless, the atmosphere in council chambers — and throughout the community — has become increasingly charged over the past year. Protestors have used increasingly intolerant and antisemitic language with respect to Jews generally and the members of council particularly, with a special emphasis on the Jewish members of council. We have been labeled facilitators and participants in genocide, the killers of children and even called Nazis. For those of us of the Jewish faith (and I am one), there is nothing more hurtful and insulting than the use of that word. But it has become a common occurrence, as it appears to be a primary goal of the protestors to inflict pain.
One individual even designed a “Wanted” poster with the names and faces of the seven members of council who opposed a ceasefire resolution, and disseminated it on social media. I regard that as a borderline incitement to violence.
I want no misunderstanding: The protestors with whom we are dealing bear no legal responsibility for what happened Sunday. None. But they are responsible for creating a toxic atmosphere in this community in which the perpetration of violence becomes the very next step. What did they think the hatred and vitriol they have been spewing for more than a year would lead to?
And on Sunday, a man who is not even a member of this community took that step. This was nothing less than an act of domestic terrorism against members of the Jewish community exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
Enough. If we are to move away from this climate of hatred, we need to start with the way in which we speak to one another. Because I may disagree with someone’s position on Gaza makes me an opponent — not someone committing genocide.
The intellectually vacuous rationale that permits Gaza supporters to believe that they can speak of anyone, even those not participating in the Israeli-Gaza war, as genocidal, needs to end. The disgusting practice of calling those who disagree with them Nazis has to end. The perceived righteousness of their mission does not excuse the baseness of the manner in which they communicate.
Let us finally acknowledge that the dehumanization and objectification of any member of this community is unacceptable.
The most severely injured victims of this attack ranged in age from 67 to 88. Think about that — the cruelty of it. Think about the fact that another human being could consider the potential slaughter of the elderly as a social good.
The Jewish community of Boulder has the resilience and will to overcome this vile act of antisemitic terrorism. In doing so, they will receive all the assistance that this community, and the good people of Boulder, can provide.
The tragedy is that they are put to this test at all.
The evidence presented thus far seems to indicate that Boulder was chosen because the weekly demonstrations on the mall got publicity. Clearly, there are no such protests in suspect’s home of Colorado Springs. Yes, the protests in chambers are annoying. Perhaps Council could work with the group at finding a compromise. My sense is that there are no representative views of Islam or Gazans on the present City Council. Perhaps a ‘study period’ where people with knowledge of both can share information and history with Council.
The sad truth is that thousands of innocent People—-mostly the old and very young are suffering and dying at the hands of the Israeli military.
In the interests of expanding Council’s base of knowledge, why not make the effort to hear the Gazan side of the story, since the Israeli side is already make known by Council members themselves.
I’m perplexed as to why city council should meet with the pro Hamas agitators that disrupt our communities meetings to make a “compromise”. I believe they are afforded time to express their points of view in every meeting. Would you like them to be given more time to express their views? Would you like city council to travel to Gaza and Israel and meet with Netanyahu and Hamas leadership to broker peace? What do you think would be an acceptable “compromise” with the political agitators who threaten council and support the burning of our community members?
Josh, I don’t agree. No matter what the situation is in Gaza, in Israel or anywhere else in the world for that matter, the Boulder city council’s agenda and responsibility is towards the people of Boulder and the issues of Boulder city. That’s it! No matter what we believe about anything else it’s quite irrelevant here. And I don’t understand why the city council has ever tolerated any people who are even showing up at their meetings to interrupt and derail the important work of the city council! I do not understand why they were not immediately removed from the chamber if they could not behave in an appropriate and civil manner. As much as I care about what’s happening in the Middle East, it has nothing to do with Boulder city council issues. These irrelevant inappropriate interruptive behaviors need to stop being permitted in Boulder city council meetings immediately! Regardless of what happened on Sunday, I cannot fathom why this has been allowed to go on.
I agree with others that our city council should no longer dedicate time to this issue, especially when there are many urgent local matters that require their attention. Moreover, the council should not compromise with individuals who have been disruptive, disregarded the city’s rules of civic engagement, and engaged in threatening and anti-semitic behavior.
I agree Shari. They should just do a declaration like they did for “antisemitism” on 16 Jan. ’25, long before that. A resolution and divestment for both would be better. This could have been over way back on 8 Oct. ’23 and they wouldn’t be wasting this time. It’s their choice. The people want it. On BOTH sides. And they know it’s not going to even begin to solve the problem anyway. It’s the most local issue I know, following 5 city boards and CC. It’s existential. It’s our grass roots voice.
Judith I disagree.
Well, then why do we even bother with sister city arrangements? It makes no sense if we turn a blind eye to serious damage being done to these cities and can’t say a single word about it. It’s hypocritical in the extreme. Also, city council did a Holocaust Remembrance a few months ago. This is only a local issue because it’s meaningful to people who live here, not because it happened here or is something city council needs to weigh in on as part of city business. A statement in support of Palestinians in a similar vein is not asking too much. That’s really the least they should do.
As usual, Council Member Mark Wallach sums things up perfectly. Yet this isn’t the first time he’s had to speak out publicly. He and Councilwoman Tara Winer have repeatedly had to respond to disgusting comments directed at them during open comments. It’s a shame they’ve had to defend themselves countless times, while others have often sat silently—looking awkward or, worse, encouraging this behavior.
It’s time for new city leadership and fresh council members. This should never have been allowed to go on for well over a year. Now we’re on the world’s stage for all to witness the tragedy and dysfunction.
Mr Wallach, I too am writing in anger. This angst, violence & division you refer to in Boulder and the US is real. I do not have an answer but I DO know that the act of violence in Boulder on Sunday was a direct action against Israel. I too am Jewish and I do not support “military actions” ( call it what you want!) of Israel. Nor have I for a long time! Nor do I equate Israel with Judaism. Israel does NOT represent all of Judaism and an act against Israel is NOT antisemitic!! Sorry people disrupt your Council meetings. Perhaps you have heard the slogan “this is what democracy looks like”? For the time being we are still a democracy. Would the Boulder City Council ever speak out against Trump and Project 2025? No one likes to be called a Nazi but I am terrified about the direction of OUR country and the US government is using Nazi tactics to achieve their goals! Stephen Miller IS comparable to Goebells, make no mistake. So dig in for the hard work and quit complaining about folks exercising free speech. It looks free speech will be outlawed very soon. How will your Council Meeting & Members feel then? Will you speak out against your OWN government?
Sorry your feelings are hurt, but Trump and his cult of hate and neonazi Christian nationalism are 100% guilty. They have done nothing but spread fear, paranoia, and hatred towards minorities, lgbtq+ people, liberals, universities, scientists, government employees, etc etc etc.
They even have their own terrorist organizations to threaten people and commit violence : the Boogaloo Boys, 3 Percenters, neonazi groups, and KKK all are PURPOSELY used via their non-stop propaganda and hate. January 6 was DEFINITIVE proof that the conservative Christian nationalist front is nothing but pure evil. Labeling people ‘groomers,’ banning books, threatening universities that allow free speech, hate being pushed onto trans individuals, direct attacks on Diversity and Equality programs, etc etc etc . I lived in Germany- THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED THERE. This is exactly how it began. I’m a retired combat veteran and ashamed of what has happened to our nation. Conservatives deserve every ounce of blame. Only white Christian heterosexuals are allowed to be free in trumps world. Own it.
Nice piece, the problem is that Boulder normalized this vitriolic behavior towards people on the other side of the political aisle from 2016 forward. I was there. I experienced it. I had to relocate and shut down my business because of it. I lost many friends. I was reneged on by a business partner. I lost clients. My children, who were raised in Boulder, no longer have a hometown to come home to. Sadly, I can tell you from personal experience, that Boulder is the most bigoted community I’ve ever experienced. These comments will likely be censored, but that won’t change these facts.
Let’s put the blame where it really belongs – on Trump. Trump has created an American society of vile insults and thinly veiled threats, all under the guise of ‘free speech.’ Republicans love to insult, fear monger, spread paranoia & conspiracy theories & all while carrying assault rifles to protests or as major parts of their political campaign ads. “Group X is out to steal jobs/groom children/rape/make you gay/murder babies/take your guns/etc etc” Let’s stop blaming each other and blame the root of this evil: the conservative nationalist movement.
I totally agree. Hate, in all its ugly forms, has got to stop! I am very concerned that antisemitism has come to acts of violence even in Boulder, which is a liberal city! It starts with words, then escalates to violence. America should not be ruled by mobs! I’m so sorry for what happened here on Sunday. At the risk of offending, my heart goes out to the victims and the Jewish people everywhere!
I believe that the protests should be aimed at the current government. Stop pointing fingers at people that dont have power to change the current situation. The main problem is trump & his people who want to end democracy in this country. They have the power to stop the bully Nentanyahu and his IDF forces from massacring so many palestinians/gazans from their homeland. And their soldiers still keep shooting at innocent people who are trying to get food aid to their children & families. When does this genocide stop? Please direct protests to the current Trump administration & lets get out & protest the root of the problem!!! I condemn all violence but the people have to RISE UP!!!
I do agree that the Boulder City Council is there to discuss issues that pertain to Boulder and Boulder County. Obviously, what happened on Sunday did apply to Boulder, but when people are trying to involve our city council in international issues, it takes away from the smooth running of our local government. There are many issues in Boulder alone. I hope the city council will be able to escort those who are causing disruptions out of the office so they can continue with city business. Maybe the police could have an officer there for that purpose.
I totally agree!!
“The intellectually vacuous rationale that permits Gaza supporters to believe that they can speak of anyone, even those not participating in the Israeli-Gaza war, as genocidal, needs to end.”
Anyone who financially supports Israel is complicit in the genocide they are committing against Palestinians. That means every single taxpaying American is complicit in genocide. You can’t simply separate the intricacies of our two governments, especially when Boulder could’ve made the decision as a city to divest. While I do not condone terror or violence in any circumstances, it’s not hard to see how witnessing a live-streamed genocide for the past two years may lead to violence against those who refuse to do anything, or even publicly support it. Suggesting that people who are outspoken against genocide are creating the conditions for antisemitic violence is delusional. The murder of over 50,000 Palestinians, by a government that has deep financial ties with Boulder, is creating an atmosphere of violence.
As some of the comments above show, it’s futile to appeal to ordinary standards of civil behavior when addressing the Tinfoil Hat Brigade of faux progressives in Boulder, CO. Instead, they should be ridiculed and shunned by decent folks unless they come to their senses — starting with a sincere apology and solemn promise to do better in the future!
I don’t know if Mark was suggesting that the attacker was influenced by the “toxic” community environment in Boulder that he states is caused by pro-Palestinian protestors at city council, but that seems very unlikely to me. Boulder is a subtle magnet for many reasons but I doubt this guy was listening in on city council meetings. More likely, he knew Boulder has a relatively large Jewish population and that they hold those weekly marches. But that doesn’t mean that other more local atrocities can’t also happen due to our inability to manage our disagreements more appropriately. Also, I understand Mark finds the label “Nazi” to be incredibly offensive, but to equate it with the other “N” word doesn’t make sense to me. The word Nazi is used to evoke images of the politically and militarily powerful oppressors and murderers of Jews, and we all know that the other N word was invented to dehumanize a brutally oppressed group of people who had no rights whatsoever. So, not a good comparison, even though they are both hurtful words when used against individuals, especially. Also, many Jews are quick to label anyone who disagrees with their political views as antisemitic. This is also an insult, and even worse, that label makes meaningful discussion impossible.
With respect to councilmember Mark, we don’t know if there’s any legally accountable connection between the council agitators and Mohamed Sabry Soliman. Investigating that seems appropriate and I hope that the Feds do so.
I witnessed speaker intimidation firsthand by at least one member of this activist cohort when I addressed council in person earlier this year. It was directed by a male who aggressively invaded the personal space of a very elderly Jewish woman who identified as a Holocaust survivor.
I met with councilmembers over a half-year’s time to discuss wildfire ignition mitigation. During those meetings we’d occasionally touch upon these council agitators’ ongoing disruption. One aspect voiced was whether or not they might have been angling for council to transgress their constitutional rights, resulting in a national or wider incident that could be leveraged. Well, who knows but if so that concern has become moot with the incineration of elderly human beings in our city center. It’s hard for me to imagine this cohort reappearing at council; I guess we’ll find out when the city manager lifts the IRL restriction on public attendance.
As I commented on John Herrick’s article documenting this scene, it’s past time to undertake an investigation into whether or not the disruptors are paid agitators. AFAIK they stay for the entirety of each and every council meeting. No one in their right mind sits through one complete meeting let alone ~three dozen—even citizens with pressing civic concerns. And if they are paid, by who? And where might that breadcrumb trail lead?
That some relationship exists between the agitators’ ongoing antics and last weekend’s horrific attack. The agitators have squandered their rights. They should be dismissed from in person attendance and possibly also from the lottery, where they steal valuable speaking slots from Boulder citizens with actual city business before coundil.
Mark, I am a longtime resident of Boulder and I am personally devastated by this attack on the Jewish community here. Thank you for sharing your feelings on this, it must be incredibly difficult to be in your shoes right now.
I personally think that the events of Sunday occured independently from local city council protests because the accused has never lived here in their 3 years of United States residence and I think they were probably influenced more by the disdain Colorado Springs has for Boulder than by the recent council protests. That being said I do believe that the victims were targeted simply because of their perceived identity as Jewish and that is vile. I hope one day our Jewish community can heal and feel safe in this city.
Many of the comments on this page seem to think that this is an appropriate time to get political and I would like to express my sincere disappointment in those people.
Mark, thank you for articulating your view from city council: I am appalled that you and Tara are subject to these attacks and disparaging and anti-semitic slurs. I appreciate that pro-Palestinian protestors are angry about Israel’s killing of innocent women and children, but acts of violence, in words and actions, against Jewish members of our community doesn’t help their cause. They should protest at the Knesset, not at Boulder City Council meetings.